Pathways that work: why technical skills are vital to the UK’s industrial future
Not every engineer comes through university - and that’s no barrier to impact. By Micaëla Owen, Head of Delivery - Skills, NCC.
At NCC, we see a broad mix of career journeys coming together to solve the UK’s biggest manufacturing challenges. Some of our best innovators came through degrees in materials science or mechanical engineering. Others got here via apprenticeships, hands-on technician roles, or modular technical training.
Both routes matter. But during Apprenticeship Week, it's worth highlighting the growing role of high-quality, non-degree pathways - and why they are becoming central to the UK’s industrial capability.
It’s not about either/or - it’s about what works
University remains a strong option for many. But for a significant number of roles in UK manufacturing - especially in composites, digital systems, clean energy, and advanced engineering - the real differentiator is competence, not credentials.
What we’re seeing across industry trends:
- Level 4 and 5 apprentices, in many cases, out-earning graduates within five years¹
- Faster progression in technician roles, where accreditation and hands-on experience count more than theory
- Strong resilience to automation in skilled jobs like composite layup, welding, or digital diagnostics
- High retention and upskilling appetite among mid-career technicians earning new qualifications
These are critical capabilities. They underpin regulated sectors, feed innovation programmes, and deliver on-the-ground results - whether in aerospace, defence, energy or infrastructure.
What manufacturers need
The message from our partners is consistent - practical skills, industry accreditation, and up-to-date training make the difference.
We work with manufacturers of all sizes - from global Tier 1s to local SMEs - and hear the same challenges:
- Difficulty finding people who are job-ready
- A desire to upskill loyal staff without sending them back to square one
- The need for modular, flexible learning that matches real-world tools and standards
That’s why NCC supports a wide range of training routes - through partnerships with colleges, universities, and national initiatives like the Institutes of Technology.
Apprenticeships play a key role
Apprenticeship routes are helping develop the skilled technicians and engineers the UK needs:
- They create opportunity for early-career learners who want to earn while they learn
- They provide a second chance for experienced workers to retrain into future-facing roles
- They deliver faster time-to-skill, especially when paired with on-the-job learning and mentorship
We’ve seen strong results through our programmes with Exeter College and UWE Bristol - supporting roles in composites manufacturing, automation, and digital systems.
A mix of skills and pathways for a stronger future
The UK’s productivity and innovation goals depend on a mix of skills - not a single route. We need:
- Engineers with strong academic foundations in design and theory
- Technicians with hands-on expertise and confidence in advanced tools
- Mid-career staff who can flex and adapt as technologies change
This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re backing all high-quality technical routes – especially those that open up opportunity, strengthen sovereign capability, and deliver real-world impact where it matters.
¹ Earnings data from UK government and labour-market reports suggest that many higher-level apprentices (Level 4/5) earn salaries equal to or above the average graduate five years post-qualification. Median earnings for Level 4/5 apprentices were between £31,000 and £37,000, compared with ~£30,000 for first-degree graduates. Outcomes vary by sector and role.